The area in which we are situated is also home to Indigenous Peoples from across the region and Canada. CNL is grateful to have the opportunity to work on these traditionally and culturally significant lands and waterways.
For more information on Williams Treaties First Nations visit https://williamstreatiesfirstnations.ca/
Learn about the Indigenous History of the Port Hope Area
One Initiative, Two Projects
The PHAI represents the federal government’s response to the community-requested solution for the cleanup and local, long-term, safe management of historic low-level radioactive waste in the municipalities of Port Hope and Clarington. The waste is the result of the refining practices of the former Crown Corporation, Eldorado Nuclear Ltd., and its private sector predecessors. The original Eldorado refining operation and plant were established in the 1930s without consultation with Indigenous peoples of the area.
A legal agreement, finalized in March 2001, between the Government of Canada and the two municipalities, launched the PHAI by defining the framework and setting out the responsibilities for the Port Hope Project and the Port Granby Project.
Through its Historic Waste Program Management Office, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is implementing the PHAI on behalf of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, a federal Crown corporation.
Our Mission
Our mission is to lead the cleanup of historic waste in Port Hope and Port Granby in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.
Our Vision
Working together with local communities, our vision is to fulfill Canada’s commitment to the cleanup of historic wastes in Port Hope and Port Granby and leave an honourable legacy for future generations.
Our People
Our Port Hope Area Initiative staff is comprised of over 230 highly qualified and specialized personnel in the fields of engineering, health physics, radiation protection, stakeholder relations, environmental science, biology, quality control, finance and communications.
Our Projects
The Port Hope and Port Granby projects are regulated through a Waste Nuclear Substance Licence issued to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Under this licence, strict site safety, security, radiation protection, environmental protection, as well as occupational health and safety protocols are in place to minimize risks to the public, workers and the environment. Learn more about our safety programs.
The Port Hope Project involves the construction of a long-term waste management facility and supporting infrastructure for the safe, long-term management of approximately 1.2 million cubic metres of historic low-level radioactive waste, cleanup of the waste from various sites in Port Hope and its transportation to the facility, and long-term maintenance and monitoring.
The Port Granby Project involves the construction of a long-term waste management facility and supporting infrastructure for the safe, long-term management of approximately 1.3 million tonnes of historic low-level radioactive waste removed from a former waste management site on the shoreline of Lake Ontario in Southeast Clarington. The new, engineered aboveground mound is located approximately 700 metres north of the existing site.